Pharr proclaims OCNDS Awareness Day, highlights staff promotions and community programs

Pharr commissioners used part of their regular meeting to recognize local advocacy and city programs.

A proclamation designating April 5, 2026, as Okor Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome (OCNDS) Awareness Day was read and presented to family members with ties to the condition; the resolution described OCNDS as caused by mutations of the CSNK2A1 gene and urged community support for affected patients and caregivers. Family members described caring challenges and urged continued awareness and support.

City manager and staff also announced several internal promotions and new hires: Yud Gonzalez (promoted to director of international commercial development), Kenya Gomez (named head of the Office of City Communications), and Laara Par (introduced as the new director of human resources). The meeting recognized a Trailblazer of the Month, identified as Jathan Bara, a city programmer nominated for cross-departmental contributions.

Staff highlighted community programs and facilities including a FarConnect digital literacy course (24 recent graduates who received free laptops), the March 4 ribbon-cutting for a wellness room and a breast milk donation site at Pharr One in partnership with Mother's Milk Bank of Austin, and several upcoming community events: the Easter Extravaganza (egg hunt), a citywide scavenger hunt, and an Earth Day "Paint the Park" competition.

Public comment also included a plea from a resident urging the commission to move forward with the Pharr Animal Shelter Advisory Committee to address overcrowding, rising euthanasia rates and difficulties transferring animals to out-of-area rescues.

Next steps: Staff said FarConnect classes will continue and provided a contact number for sign-ups; the city will follow through on personnel onboarding and continue community outreach and event scheduling.